2G, 3G, 4G and other jargon

2G

Second generation mobile network known as GSM. Simply put, 2G allows you to send text messages.

3G

The third generation of mobile phone technology, offering better coverage for voice calls and text messaging, as well as providing faster access to the internet. All of our tariffs come with 3G as standard.

The fourth generation of mobile phone technology. With 4G, using the internet on your phone is even quicker, with speeds 5-7 times faster than 3G. If you have a 4G ready phone, but you’re not in a 4G area, you’ll still be able to use 3G.

Cellular network

The radio network used to send and receive calls and messages, and use the internet.

O2 Wifi

A fast, free wifi service available to everyone. You just download the app, and you’ll be connected to O2 Wifi whenever you’re in a hotspot.

Wifi

You can connect to the internet using wifi, to browse the web, download applications, or send and receive emails, without using your 3G or 4G data.

O2 Pocket Hotspot

A portable gadget that connects you and up to four other people or devices to the internet, when there’s O2 mobile data coverage. The O2 Pocket Hotspot automatically connects to our mobile network as soon as you insert a Pay & Go sim.

Self help guide for network problems

You can try fixing the problem yourself by switching your phone off and on. If this doesn’t help, try selecting the network manually, using your device’s settings.

If you’re having issues in different areas, try your sim in a different O2 device. If the problem stops, there’s an issue with your device. And if a different O2 sim works in your device, then there’s a problem with your sim.

If no issues show up and your phone and sim seem to be ok, keep an eye on the Status Checker for updates (these may take up to an hour to appear).
Once the live status page shows a fault has been fixed, you might need to turn your device off and on to refresh your network connection.